Types of Bail Bondsmen

There are three types of bail bondsmen licensed in South Carolina.

Professional Bondsman
A professional bondsman is any person who is approved and licensed under the provisions of Chapter 53 and who has pledged cash or approved securities with the clerk of court as security for bail bonds written in connection with a judicial proceeding and receives or is promised money or other things of value for the pledge. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-9)

Surety Bondsman
A surety bondsman is any person who is approved and licensed by the Department of Insurance as a surety insurance agent, appointed by an insurer by power of attorney to execute or countersign bail bonds for the insurer in connection with judicial proceedings, and receives or is promised money or other things of value for the execution or countersignature. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-10(12))

Runner Bondsman
A runner bondsman is any person employed by a bondsman for the purpose of assisting the bail bondsman in presenting the defendant in court when required, assisting in the apprehension and surrender of the defendant to the court, and keeping the defendant under necessary surveillance. (South Carolina Code Section 38-53-10(10))